Yoga for migraines: Steps, health benefits of 4 exercises for mind-body therapy

From reducing stress, anxiety, and depression with her asanas that involve poses, meditation, and breathing exercises to help relieve exhaustion, thyroid disorders, nuptial glow, and even trauma, research and yoga experts believe the ancient Indian practice of Yoga it can also help with migraines. Known to be one of the most common causes of headaches that are not fully understood, migraine affects one in seven people worldwide, according to the World Federation of Neurology website, and is the most common brain disease. common.

Given today’s lifestyle choices, migraines are becoming a common condition today that includes symptoms such as throbbing headaches that are often accompanied by vomiting and nausea and also cause sensitivity to light or partial loss of consciousness. view. According to spiritual yoga guru and sacred science teacher Rajesh Singh Maan or Acharya Advait Yogbhushan, as he is popularly known, migraine is a sign of a lack of oxygen in the brain.

Why does migraine occur?

Acharya Advait Yogbhushan explains: “Your brain uses most of the oxygen consumed to regulate the functioning of the nervous system. Oxygen flows to the brain with the blood. Longer work hours and a kyphotic back cause compression in the lungs blocking the proper flow of oxygen in the body.

He adds: “Surely relief can be sought in this condition with the help of yogic practices, as an aligned practice will open all the blockages in the body and ensure the proper flow of blood and oxygen.”

Causes of migraines:

Listing various factors that contribute to the condition, Acharya Advait Yogbhushan highlighted some common causes of migraines such as family health history, emotional triggers like stress, anxiety, depression, dietary choices like alcohol, tobacco, etc. He offered: “One must take precautionary measures and practice yoga regularly to see significant relief in migraine.”

Do you experience migraine or throbbing headaches often accompanied by vomiting and nausea? Acharya Advait Yogbhushan reveals 4 yoga asanas to relieve people from the discomfort of chronic disorders that can benefit them in migraine condition.

1. Prasarita Padottanasana or Wide Legged Forward Bend

Method: Keep a parallel distance of about 3 to 4 feet between your legs and place your hands on your hips. With your legs and spine intensely stretched, inhale, lift your chest up through your torso, and slowly fold it over your legs.

Begin to stretch your torso forward by placing your hands flat on the floor and keeping them shoulder-width apart. Bend deeper, bringing your head to the ground.

Profits: This wide-legged standing forward bend is a good warm-up for other open-pose standing poses, as it stretches the backs of your legs and the inner groin. Calms the brain and relieves fatigue while improving blood circulation and toning the abdominal organs.

Acharya Advait Yogbhushan shares: “This asana works to open up the hip muscles and stretches the hamstrings and lower back. This asana works as a semi-inversion. It is great to practice it to avoid migraine as it channels blood flow in the lower part of the body.”

2. Halasana or plow pose

Method: Lie on your back with your palms facing the floor. Take a deep breath and on that exhale, press your palms into the floor and lift your legs up toward the ceiling. For added support, you can place your hands on your lower back.

You can also bend your knees if you lose your balance. Slowly and gradually try to touch the ground with your feet behind you. Breathe in slowly. To come off the pole, slowly release your hands from behind your back and bring your feet to the ground.

Profits: It helps reduce stress, calms the mind and improves the digestive process, all of which have an amazing effect on the skin. “This asana strengthens and lengthens the spine. It is excellent for migraine as the blood flows through the spine to the brain,” says Acharya Advait Yogbhushan.

3. Setubhandhasana/Setu Bandha Sarvangasana or the bridge pose

Method: Lie on your back with your legs stretched out on the floor, palms next to your thighs. Bend both knees keeping your legs and hips apart and bring your heels closer to your hips.

Inhale and lift your stomach and chest lifting your hips off the ground. Support your lower back with your hands. Now straighten your legs with your toes pointing straight ahead. Hold this position for 10 to 15 seconds and release.

Profits: This variation, also known as the bridge pose, stretches the chest, neck, and spine. It not only strengthens your back, glutes, and hamstrings, but also increases blood circulation, relieves stress, and calms your brain.

According to Acharya Advait Yogbhushan, “It is excellent for migraine as the asana causes a stretch in the intercostal muscles and helps the lungs expand, leading to a lot of oxygen flowing to the brain.”

4. Viparita Karani or legs up the wall posture

Method: Lie down straight on your back. Bring both legs together and lift them up. Bring your legs slightly behind you to lift your lower back. Support your back by placing your palms on your lower back with your elbows on the floor. Keep your legs perpendicular to the ground and your back bent at a 45-60 degree angle to the ground. Breathe normally. Start with 1 minute and then slowly increase the length of the practice to 10 minutes.

Profits: This asana allows faster movement of water from the small intestine to the large intestine, which cleanses the stomach. It is also a great practice to stimulate the hormonal system and strengthen the core. It allows you to completely relax your mind and body and helps cool you down while refreshing your circulatory system.

“This asana is excellent for migraines as it stretches the leg muscles and relaxes the spine,” says Acharya Advait Yogbhushan.